Brand names: Neupro®
- Drug Forms:
- Rotigotine skin patches (below)
- Rotigotine Transdermal Patch - 24 hour
Rotigotine skin patches
What are Rotigotine skin patches?
ROTIGOTINE helps to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Rotigotine will not cure Parkinson's disease, but will help to improve muscle control and movement difficulties.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart disease
• high or low blood pressure
• kidney disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• schizophrenia
• sleep disorders such as narcolepsy
• undergoing certain heart procedures like cardioversion
• undergoing certain x-ray procedures like an MRI
• an unusual or allergic reaction to rotigotine, sulfites, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
This medicine is used on the skin only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use exactly as directed. Change the patch each day at the same time. Apply the patch to an area of the upper arm or body that is clean, dry and hairless; avoid injured, irritated, oily, or calloused areas or where the patch will be rubbed by tight clothing or a waistband. Apply to skin right after opening the pouch and removing the protective liner. Press firmly in place for 20 to 30 seconds, especially around the edges. Do not apply to the same place more than once every 14 days to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Always remove the old patch before you apply a new one. Remove patch slowly and carefully to avoid irritation. After removal, fold the patch so that it sticks to itself and throw it away. After removal of patch, wash the area with soap and water to remove any drug or adhesive. Baby oil or mineral oil may be used if needed. Do not use alcohol or other solvents. After handling the patch, do not touch eyes or objects until hands are washed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with Rotigotine?
• alcohol
• medicines for anxiety or sleep
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• memantine
• some medicines for nausea and vomiting
• some medicines for pain
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Rotigotine?
You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine may cause sudden drowsiness or sleep. If you experience sudden sleepiness without warning, do not drive or use machinery. Do not perform other activities where falling asleep could result in an injury. If you experience sudden sleep without warning, contact your health care professional right away.
Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
If you develop a rash or skin irritation that is caused by the patch, avoid direct sunlight exposure to the area. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you develop a rash or skin irritation from the patch that continues to get worse, spreads, or does not heal. Rotating the application site daily can decrease the chances of a skin reaction.
The effects of applying heat to the patch are not known. Avoid exposing the patch to heat such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, and prolonged direct sunlight.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Rotigotine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• abnormal heart beat (fast, slow or irregular)
• abrupt drowsiness or falling asleep without warning
• anxiety, restlessness
• confusion
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness
• fainting spells
• hallucinations
• skin irritation, redness, swelling, or itching
• uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, hands, head, mouth, shoulders, or upper body
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea/vomiting
• stomach pain
• weight gain
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Store in original pouch until just prior to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
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